WEARDALE PULPIT
Upper Weardale Benefice Newsletter
7 th September 2025 – Trinity 12 and Creationtide
1
Collect for Trinity 12
Collect for Creationtide
God of constant mercy,
who sent your Son to save us;
remind us of your goodness,
increase your grace within us,
that our thankfulness may grow,
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen
For Your Prayers
We keep in our prayers all in our community who
are sick or bereaved, or in any kind of need.
We continue to pray for those suffering in Gaza,
the Ukraine and Sudan and pray that
international peace efforts will bear fruit.
Our prayers go with those young people who are
returning to school to start a new year
We pray for candidates shortlisted by the Crown Nomination Commission last week, asking that the
right candidate will be appointed.
What’s On This Week
Sat 6 th September 10-4pm Heatherycleugh Eco Fest Activities/Displays
7pm Cowshill Village Hall Eco Fest Film “2040”
Sun 7 th September Trinity 12
Creationtide
10am St John’s Chapel Eco Fest Eucharist
10-4pm Heatherycleugh Eco Fest Displays
10am Stanhope Eucharist
2.30pm Cowshill Village Hall Eco Fest Talk
3pm Stanhope Church Hall Informal Worship
4pm Heatherycleugh Churchyard Eco Fest Closing Worship
Mon 8 th September 9am Stanhope Morning Prayer
Tues 9 th Sept 9am Stanhope Morning Prayer
8pm Zoom Faith Through Music
Weds 10 th Sept 10am Stanhope Eucharist
Thurs 11 th Sept 9am Stanhope Morning Prayer
Sun 13 th Sept Trinity 13 10am St John’s Chapel Eucharist
Bible Readings for
Creationtide
Colossians 1:15-23
John 3:16-17
Bible Readings for Trinity
12
Jeremiah 18:1-11
Philemon 1-21
Luke 14:25-33
Glorious God, the whole creation
proclaims your marvellous work:
increase in us a capacity to
wonder and delight in it, that
heaven’s praise may echo in our
hearts and our lives be spent as
good stewards of the earth,
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen
10am Stanhope Eucharist
Coming up This Week …
Way of Hope-Help Needed
We will be promoting the new ‘Way of Hope’ Weardale Pilgrimage route at the Stanhope show on
September 13 th /14 th .
We need to man the stands each day from 8.30am until finish. Any help even for a short period of
time would be gratefully appreciated.
Please contact Liz for more information on
Eco Festival 6 th and 7 th September
It’s this weekend!
The festival is part of our journey towards Eco Church accreditation for St Thomas Heatherycleugh
and St John the Baptist St John’s Chapel. Please come along and encourage us!
The festival falls into five main parts:
- Displays and activities for adults and children in the church and churchyard at
Heatherycleugh from 10am – 4pm on Saturday 6 th . (Displays will also be available to look at
but unmanned on Sunday 7 th ) - A film showing on Saturday 6 th at 7pm in the village hall – bring your own refreshments. No
charge but donations welcome – the film is “2040” – an uplifting and inspiring film from
Australia about solutions to the climate crisis that already exist – see trailer here ) - A Creation-themed Eucharist at St John’s Chapel at 10am on Sunday 7 th
- A talk by John Robson Grundy of wildernesstamed.com on creating a wildlife-friendly
garden Sunday 7 th at 2.30pm - A short closing service in the open air in St Thomas’ Churchyard.
Hope to see you there!
Faith Through Music
Faith through Music this month will continue to look at the different sorts of hymns we sing in
church, and to ask “do we like this sort of hymn” and “is this sort of hymn appropriate for our
worship”
So on 9th September, by zoom, we will look at a hymn that encourages us to celebrate God’s
creation: Morning has Broken. I know it’s more of a springtime hymn than an autumnal hymn, but it
ties in well with the Anglican celebration of the Season of Creation, the Eco Festival celebration in
West Weardale Parish and the agricultural shows, leek shows and harvest festivals in The Dale this
seemed an appropriate song to study.
As always, Richard will give a brief history of the hymn, and then open a freeflowing discussion
around why we like (or dislike) the song, and what it means to each of us. Richard will have some
Difficult Questions prepared should the discussion dry up. A poster is attached.
Looking Further Ahead…
Harvest Family Service Stanhope
Following the successful family service in August, St Thomas’ Stanhope will be holding a Harvest
Family Service on Sunday 28 th September at 4pm, All welcome, refreshments afterwards. Please
come along, and please invite others!
Retreat at Alnmouth Friary
You are warmly invited to come for a short retreat at Alnmouth Friary—a peaceful opportunity to
step away from the busyness of life and find rest and renewal.
We’ll arrive at the Friary by 4pm on Monday 3rd November and return the following day, Tuesday
4th November, after lunch (around 2pm). During our stay, there will be time to eat and pray with the
brothers, enjoy the beautiful surroundings, and relax—whether that’s walking the grounds, visiting
the beach nearby, or spending quiet time in the library and dining area.
The friary is situated just a short walk from both the beach and Alnmouth village. You can find out
more about the friary at: https://alnmouthfriaryssf.org.uk
A recommended donation of £60 is suggested to help cover costs, but please don’t let money be a
barrier—you are very welcome to come regardless of your financial situation.
There are only 11 spaces available, offered on a first come, first served basis, but if there’s enough
interest, we may be able to arrange a second retreat (subject to availability at the friary).
We’re hoping to coordinate travel using lifts from those who are able to drive. When you put your
name forward, please let us know if you can offer a lift or if you’ll need one, and we’ll do our best to
organise car shares.
To book your place or find out more, please contact Carol Richardson by phone or message.
07517560693
2026 Calendar
The St Thomas Stanhope 2026 calendar is now available! A snip at £5 per copy – perfect Christmas
presents for all the family.
Photos are by 1st Stanhope cubs and scouts
Available from Rowells , Woodhalls , The Hub Stanhope or from Anne Hodgson
General Information
To add any items of news to this newsletter please contact Sandie Barton at
. Photos of church events etc. would be lovely (but do make sure any
people in the photos have given their permission!)
The deadline is 3pm on Thursday for issue by email on Friday. Sandie is also happy to add people to
the circulation list, on request.
Durham e-News: a regular email from the Diocese for worshippers and people with an interest in
the diocese. It contains the latest news and features from the Diocese, and can be delivered directly
to your inbox. To sign up simply fill in your details via this link: Diocesan newsletter .
Contacts
Priest-in-charge: The Benefice is currently in an interregnum. Please contact Rev. Heather or Rev
Michael if needed.
Associate Priest: The Rev. Heather Ross
01388 537439, 07713 388106,
Assistant Curate: The Rev. Michael Baldwin
Tel 07716065012
Parish Safeguarding Officers:
Liz Curry 07921 176012
Wright 07415 046392
To arrange a baptism, marriage or funeral please contact Rev Heather Ross as above.
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